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Applying for a New Building or Grading Permit
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As of April 1, 2022 building permit applications for new Residential, Retail, Office, or Hotel
buildings must include all-electric (no natural gas) design.
Learn more about the All-Electric Ordinance.
We now provide 100% digital permit application submission and no longer accept paper applications and plans.
1. Introduction
The following pages contain information to help you successfully submit an application for a building or grading permit. Our goal is to help you get your permit as quickly as possible. On this page we have tried to explain what you will need to submit, how to submit it, and who else may need to approve it first so that you can submit. Please read the information below carefully because your project will be delayed if you submit a permit application that is incomplete.
All projects can be submitted via our ePermits Center. If you are already familiar with ePermits, know what you need, and are registered, you can go to ePermits Center to get started with submitting your application. If this is your first time applying, or if you need clarification or more information, please continue reading below.
All permit related activities are accessible on the ePermits Center. Registration is required for applying for permits. Registration, however, is not required for the following actions:
Check building or grading permit status
Make a permit payment
Schedule/Cancel an inspection.
If you need to submit building permit revisions, extensions, or renewals, please visit the Building Permit Revisions, Extensions, and Renewals webpage
2. Preparing to Submit Your Building or Grading Permit Application
In this section, we will explain what you will need to gather before you submit for a building permit.
WHO CAN PULL A PERMIT?
The 2019 California Building Code allows for the following individuals to pull permits:
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For more detailed information, please see our Who can Obtain a Building Permit (PDF) page. For clarification about who an owner builder is and what is entailed, see the Owner Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information (PDF) form.
WHEN DO I NEED PLANS?
Almost all projects require plans. These include, but are not limited to, new structures, demolitions, additions, alterations, interior/exterior remodels, running new electrical, water or gas lines, repairs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, pavilions, decks, carports, garages, docks, pools, foundation repairs, ADUs, and JR. ADUs, solar, energy storage systems, and backup generators.
Important note: The Building Department conducts plan review and cannot give advice on how to create your plan. We recommend contacting licensed professionals when applicable.
WHAT SHOULD MY PLANS SHOW?
Most projects will require Architectural, Structural, Electrical, and often Mechanical and Plumbing plans. Many details and calculations are also required, often these include structural and Title 24 energy calculations. Your design professional is the best resource to help you have a complete submittal.
PLAN SIZE AND FORMAT
To be successful when submitting your plans, please pay attention to the following guidelines. Incomplete and incorrectly sized or formatted plans may substantially delay your project.
Please read Requirements for Preparing Electronic Plans Submittals (PDF) for further guidance. |
WHO ELSE NEEDS TO APPROVE MY PLANS BEFORE I SUBMIT?
- You may need your plans to be reviewed and approved by other agencies prior to submitting your building permit application. This may include your city planning department and your local sanitary district or environmental health if you are on a septic system or have a well. What follows is a more detailed explanation of the planning and sanitary requirements.
- Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure you have approvals from all required agencies prior to submitting to the Building Department.
PLANNING APPROVALS
Planning approval is required anytime you are proposing to construct a new building or structure, or are making changes to the use, size, height, and dimensions, or other exterior changes to an existing building or structure.
Unincorporated County:
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The Incorporated cities listed below require planning approval prior to submittal for building permit. Below are examples of when each city requires a building permit. Please contact each directly to verify their requirements and current process for approval stamps before you get started. You are required to upload the approved city planning application and approved plans in PDF format with your building permit application.
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SANITATION APPROVAL
Certain projects require approval from your local sanitary district. If your property has a septic system and is not served by a sanitary district, you may need to contact Environmental Health Services prior to submittal. Sanitary District staff will review the project plans to ensure there will be no adverse impacts on the sanitary sewer system and no encroachment into a sanitary sewer easement. Please see our Sanitary Districts (PDF) page to determine your district and specific requirements.
The following projects require sanitary or environmental health review: |
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FIRE DEPARTMENT REVIEW
Fire department approval will be required if your project is for new residential buildings, new commercial buildings or any residential/commercial change of use. In some cases, remodeling or adding an addition to an existing structure may also require fire department approval. Contact your local Fire Department for their specific requirements and plan approval.
PUBLIC WORKS REVIEW
If your project is in the Unincorporated County and work is being done in the public right of way, contact CCC Public Works at 925-313-2000 for encroachment permit or other permit requirements.
3. Grading Permit Requirements
A grading permit is required if:
1. Excavating greater than 5 feet deep or more than 200 cubic yards (50 cubic yards in the cities of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda).
2. Placing fill to support any structure, fill deeper than 3 feet, or more than 200 cubic yards (50 cubic yards for the cities of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda).
Per County Ordinance Code Section 716-4.202-204, other conditions may also trigger a grading permit. Be aware that for all grading permits involving 1000 cubic yards or more, nearby neighbors will be notified prior to permit issuance, see County Ordinance 716-4.202 (e).
When you apply for a grading permit, you will need plans and specifications prepared and signed by a licensed California civil engineer or architect (unless waived by the county building official for small and unimportant work) containing the items set forth in County Ordinance Code Sections 716-4.602 – 608.
4. Submitting a Building or Grading Permit Application
Once you have your plans in the proper format and size, and have obtained the necessary approvals from other agencies, you are ready to apply for a building permit using the ePermits Center.
Follow these steps to start your permit submittal:
- Go to ePermits Center at epermits.cccounty.us
- Register for an Account
- Contractors and Contractor Agents will first need to connect their CSLB license to their account BEFORE applying for a permit. Staff will notify the user when the license has been approved. Unapproved licenses will prevent you from submitting a successful application.
- How to link a CSLB license to an ePermits Center user account (pdf).
- Contractor Agents not listed as personnel on the CSLB website are required to submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA) on company letterhead stating the agent may pull permits on behalf of the licensee. The LOA must be signed by the owner or officer of the company.
- Click Create an Application in the Building tab
- Choose the permit type that best suits your project and follow the prompts
- After submitting your application, track the progress of your application on the ePermits Center
- All communication will be by email. You will receive automated emails through the life of your project to keep you updated on the progress. Check your junk or spam mail folder if you do not see any emails from us after applying.
- You will be able to check for status updates on the ePermits Center. View our how to guide to learn how to check your permit status.
Email technical support if you are locked out of your ePermits Center account or receive screen errors while creating your application online.
Email the permit center staff if you have not seen any activity on your permit application within 7 business days from the submittal date. We receive a high volume of email daily and may not respond to your email right away. Please do not repeatedly email us the same question or inquiry.
If you have not received an update from us on your submittal by email or do not see any activity on the ePermits Center, do not start a new permit application for the same project scope at the same property location. Call 925-655-2700 or email staff for an update.
See Section 5 below for a step by step guide on how your permit application will be processed.
5. How your Permit Application is Processed
Step 1 | Visit our ePermits Center website to get started. When completing your application form, you will be prompted to upload your plans (if required) and any other supporting documents. Please note that all documents must be in PDF format. Follow our guide on Requirements for Preparing Electronic Plan Submittals (PDF) and step by step guide on How to apply for Building ePermit submittal (PDF). |
Step 2 | Staff will vet your application within 4-5 business days and either accept or reject it. If deemed complete, you will be notified who your plan reviewer is. If your application is rejected, we will contact you by email with instructions so that you can successfully complete and resubmit plans and/or other documents. |
Step 3 | Your assigned plan reviewer will review your uploaded documents for compliance with State and Local codes. Your plan reviewer will then let you know if you need to submit any corrections, clarifications or additional documents. |
Step 4 | Check your permit's processing status in real time on our ePermits Center website where you will see up to date information and comments entered by staff processing your permit. Log in is not required to view permit status. Follow this ePermits Center guide: How to View Permit Status (PDF) and our other Help Guides located on the right side of the ePermits Center home page for navigation assistance. |
Step 5 | Larger projects require a plan check fee at the beginning of the plan check process. We will email you instructions for paying online on the ePermits Center website. Credit card and e-check payments are accepted online. After we have confirmed your payment, plan review will begin on your project. See How to make a payment (PDF) |
Step 6 | The review process may take several iterations of communication between applicant and plan reviewer. All communications and responses during the plan review process will be by email or phone only. If we have comments on necessary revisions to your plans, we will email those to you as well as a link to upload your revised documents. |
Step 7 | Once your plan reviewer has confirmed compliance with all State and Local codes, your permit will be ready to issue. Staff will contact you to pay the balance of your permit fees. See How to make a payment (PDF) and How to make a payment video |
Step 8 | After payment has been confirmed, you will be notified by email to download your permit card and approved plans. You will be required to provide a printed copy of the permit card and full size approved plans at the permit site. Tips for printing reviewed digital plans (PDF) |
Step 9 | Schedule inspections on our automated system at 925-646-4108 or on the ePermits Center website. View Daily Inspection Time Frames (PDF) updated after 8:45AM Monday-Friday |
Resources for Contractors and Owner-Builders
Depending on your project, you may need to submit supporting documents with your plans. Common examples include debris recovery forms, drainage plans, geotechnical reports, engineering calculations, Title 24 Energy calculations, and checklists for generators and solar systems.
- Current Building Codes, Ordinances, and Technical Guidelines for Building Design (PDF)
- Building and Planning How to Guides and Checklists
- CalGreen Construction & Demolition Debris Recovery Program
- Residential Packet (PDF)
- Commercial Packet (PDF)
- Drainage Plan Requirement Checklist (PDF)
- Commercial Generator Checklist (PDF) - Required for all generator installations
- Residential Generator Checklist (PDF) - Required for all generator installations
- Roof or Ground Mount Solar Checklist - Required for photovoltaic permits
- Title 24 Energy Code Form
Less frequently used forms include:
- Residential Construction Submittal Checklist (PDF)
- Commercial Construction Submittal Checklist (PDF)
- Demolition Permit Requirement - PCBs Screening Assessment Form (PDF)
- C3 Requirements for small projects (PDF)
- C3 Requirements for large projects (PDF)
Contact Us for Assistance
- Contact us at 925-655-2700 for questions on your project. We receive a high number of phone calls daily and we recommend that you leave a message. We will try to return your call by the next business day. You may also use the other methods below to contact us with your inquiry.
- If you have a building code, construction, inspection or planning question, submit your questions with our online form. Your questions will be directed to the appropriate division.
- Email the permit center staff if you have not seen any activity on your permit submittal within 7 business days from the submittal date. We receive a high volume of email daily and may not respond to your email right away. Please do not repeatedly email us the same question or inquiry.
- Email technical support if you are locked out of your ePermits Center account or receive screen errors while creating your application online.
- Schedule an Appointment for Help. We offer video, phone and in person appointments.
Application & Permit Center
30 Muir Road
Martinez, CA 94553
Fax: 925-674-7244
Hours
Monday through Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
**Offices are currently closed due to COVID-19 Health Order